“I was meanin’ to pay you a visit straight
away; indeed I was,” said Captain Cai contritely.
“Troy streets be narrow and full o’ friends;
and when a man’s accustomed to sea-room—­”
He broke off and drew a long breath. “But
O, friends, if you knew the good it is!”

“Ay, Cap’n: East or West, home is
best.”

“And too far East is West, as every sailor man
knows. . . . There, now, take me along and think’
that out while you’re giving me a clip; for the
longer you stand scratching your head the longer my
hair’s growing.” He turned to Mr
Rogers. “So long, soce! I’ll
be punctual at twelve-thirty—­what’s
left of me.”

CHAPTER II.

THE BARBER’S CHAIR.

“This is home!” Captain Cai settled
himself down in the barber’s chair with a sigh
of luxurious content. “I’ve heard
married men call it better,” said Mr Toy, fetching
forth a clean wrapper.